[Abrasion perforation of two intra-aortic balloons]

We report two patients whose intra-aortic balloons exhibited delayed perforation caused by prolonged contact of the balloon against calcific atheromatous plaque. Perforation was diagnosed by the presence of blood in the tube connecting the balloon. Leak detection systems were useless to diagnose this complication. We believe that the balloon immediately should be removed at the presence of blood in the tube.